Advertise on podcast: The Real Hernando

The launch of the new HYPE Highlight podcast for the Hernando Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs Group, shares that the board has been restructured, and highlights upcoming events, including a Sharpening the Saw Lunch and Learn with Sheriff Tuggle on October 8 from 12:00–2:00 at the Hernando Golf and Racquet Club. Lauren McLendon previews additional plans: an after-hours event at Sweet Fizz in the last week of October (around October 28, details TBD), free Pictures with Santa on the Chamber of Commerce porch in early December, and future Lunch and Learns featuring Robert Foster (District 5 supervisor and Cedar Hill Farms owner) in late January/early February and Steven Hodges (Hernando Public Works) in Q2. They thank SRP Studios and invite listeners to join via the chamber website or social media. Interested in joining HYPE? Go to hernandoms.org or call the Hernando Chamber office at 662-429-9055 HYPE Highlights is a podcast partnership with The Real Hernando and SRP Studios Podcasting Follow the pod at TheRealHernando.com for YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud at SRP Studios Podcasting

Sweet Fizz: Hernando’s Soda Shop | Wesley & Heather Callahan In this episode of The Real Hernando, Derrick spotlights Sweet Fizz Hernando, a locally owned family soda shop at 2362 McInvale Road offering dirty sodas, lemonades, energy drinks (including Alani, Red Bull, and Monster), frozen treats like Dippin’ Dots, and sugar-free options with thousands of custom combinations. Owners Wesley and Heather Callahan share their Hernando-area roots, Wesley’s corporate sales background and layoff that helped spark the business, how they secured and renovated the former Market 23 space, and how demand far exceeded expectations, including a 750-drink grand opening day and 15,000 drinks in six weeks. They explain how dirty sodas are built from base drinks plus syrups, creams, cold foams, boba, and purees, discuss staffing and customer service culture. Sponsored in part by Electrical Repair and Installation and Brandon Vanderburg at Shelter Insurance The Real Hernando is on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

DeSoto Hope Returns: A Night of Hope “Giving Cancer the Boot” + Survivor Stories & How to Get Screened Host Derrick Michaud welcomes Tracy Gallagher, Ashleigh Parker, and Tina James from DeSoto Hope to reintroduce the DeSoto County nonprofit’s mission to ensure no one feels forgotten during their cancer journey through Hope Baskets, $500 travel grants for second opinions, and $2,500 scholarships for students impacted by cancer. They are promoting the 6th annual “A Night of Hope: Giving Cancer the Boot” on Tuesday, October 27 at the DeSoto County Agri-Education Center (doors 6:00, food 6:30), featuring photo booths, a petting zoo, silent auction, raffles (including a diamond necklace), wine/bourbon pulls, a cash bar, and live music by the Side Street Steppers, with Derrick emceeing. The conversation also covers the guests’ cancer experiences, prevention and early detection, genetic testing and BRCA risk, ctDNA tests like Signatera/Guardant, second opinions, and mental health support. TICKETS - https://wedoauctions.com/app/public/bidapp/desotohope/tickets/tickets?fbclid=IwY2xjawUaT6FwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTJ1bWJQM2Y0N0dSYjNCSk1zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe3A0AJ7dHnpatbGmBboNQ7cwt9rORuR-uUIGrVIY3-LJIxRZ0ZDKXBAMVMvU_aem_I1tEs_NuEBw7d4EaCc6Jkw Sponsored in part by Electrical Repair and Installation and Brandon Vanderburg at Shelter Insurance The Real Hernando is on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

Hernando Planning Commissioners Jarrett Mashaw and Kevin Thorn Explain the 2nd McDonald’s, Traffic Concerns, What it Means to be a Commissioner, and What’s Coming Next The Real Hernando welcomes planning commissioners Jarrett Mashaw and Kevin Thorn to explain why a proposed second McDonald’s near the McIngvale/Green Tea area and the I-269 interchange roundabout has become controversial, outlining how plats move from preliminary review to final plat and how the planning commission’s recommendation goes to the aldermen for a vote. They discuss concerns about traffic flow, queueing, and long-term growth around a roundabout already seen as a bottleneck, along with how zoning limits what the city can stop versus what it can regulate. The commissioners also cover recent denials of a conditional-use liquor store and a proposed second dispensary location, share business updates including Baskin-Robbins, Jersey Mike’s, Captain D’s, new hotels, and progress at Delta Landing and its YMCA, and explain commissioner appointment, meeting schedules, and the commission’s four core responsibilities. Sponsored in part by Electrical Repair and Installation and Brandon Vanderburg at Shelter Insurance The Real Hernando is on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

Host Derrick Michaud welcomes Jody Woody, an insurance producer at Boren & Hawkins Insurance, to discuss her work selling and servicing home, auto, life, business, and farm policies across Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas, plus how to reach her at 662-429-5115. They trade Hernando-centric hot takes on local roundabouts, the coming second McDonald’s, and community buzz, then dive into Jody’s deep involvement with the Hernando Main Street Chamber of Commerce—starting as an ambassador in 2013, serving on the board, and becoming president for two years. Jody explains the value of ribbon cuttings, relationship-building, and community support, and shares behind-the-scenes insights into rewriting outdated chamber bylaws and managing ARPA-funded downtown and park improvement projects, including Panola lights, ADA upgrades at Kuykendall Park, wayfinding signs, and planned square speakers. She also reflects on stepping back from commitments to refocus on her business and urges residents to work with honest local insurance agents. Sponsored in part by Electrical Repair and Installation The Real Hernando is on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

On the Real Hernando podcast, Derrick welcomes back Coach Camp to discuss Hernando and DeSoto County youth sports after 30+ years of coaching. Camp outlines local rec baseball/softball leagues at the Robertson Gin Road fields, explains age-group tiers from T-ball through 16U, and contrasts today’s landscape with earlier years as travel/competitive ball has pulled top players from rec leagues. He shares why he values rec coaching for building confidence, life skills, and positive core memories, offers approaches for handling slumps and emotions (including differences between coaching boys and girls), and gives advice to parents about keeping kids’ sports in perspective and not undermining coaches. They also discuss Hernando’s need for upgraded facilities, efforts to expand fields, and how Camp kept a struggling age group alive by creatively forming rotating teams. Check out Coach’s platform at MotivateWithCoachCamp.com Sponsored in part by Electrical Repair and Installation The Real Hernando is on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

Host Derrick Michaud welcomes Brian Couch back to The Real Hernando to talk about his real estate business, Team Couch under the Burch Realty Group, including team structure, office location at Robinson & 51, and how to contact him. Brian shares his 22-year path into real estate, explains why the market is currently a buyer’s market due to higher interest rates and reduced urgency, and notes rising home prices with Hernando averaging $450K+. They discuss Hernando growth, community culture, and local events, plus challenges for businesses due to regulations and the need for more tax base. Brian highlights concern over delayed I-69/Commerce interchange improvements and their impact on traffic and commerce, touches on local sports and broadcasting, and shares favorites like The Parish and new spot Sweet Fizz. Sponsored in part by Electrical Repair and Installation The Real Hernando is on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

Derrick welcomes back Ward 4 Alderman Chad Wicker to discuss current Hernando topics and growth. Chad shares that he filmed a video explaining results from a forensic audit related to issues in the city’s utility fund earlier in the year. They talk about Hernando High School Principal Case’s retirement and road work tied to the newer high school site, including the roundabout and repaving. Chad highlights development around McIngvale and a coming McDonald’s, a new water tower to support future growth, and major projects like Delta Landing, including Casa Mexicano and a YMCA expected to start construction soon. They cover stalled commercial property near the Holly Springs roundabout, Jersey Mike’s nearing opening and community plans, the long-term $140M I-55/Commerce interchange rebuild, and how the city prioritizes and funds paving through road studies and infrastructure funds. Sponsored in part by Electrical Repair and Installation The Real Hernando is on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

Host Derrick welcomes back Dr. Vivian Lo and Melinda Winchester of Aftrglo Medical Aesthetics in Hernando, a physician-led beauty and wellness spa focused on expert care over trends. They share updates for Aftrglo’s five-year milestone, including continued injectables and laser services, added microneedling (including Morpheus), and new esthetic services like facials, dermaplaning, waxing, lash lift/tinting, and chemical peels with their new esthetician, Alana. The conversation highlights their expansion into wellness with hormone replacement therapy through Revive MD and discussions around supervised peptide therapy, stressing lab work, safety, and avoiding unsupervised online purchases. They emphasize personalized consultations, conservative “restraint,” human connection, and community support through local donations, while also discussing the importance of supporting local businesses and handling public complaints responsibly. Sponsored in part by Electrical Repair and Installation The Real Hernando is on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

The Real Hernando host welcomes local podcasters Chad Wicker (Hernando Alderman, Ward 4) and Brian Couch (Burch Realty) from the new Roundabout Roundup podcast, which recaps Hernando Board of Aldermen meetings in short episodes so residents don’t have to watch lengthy sessions. They discuss the show’s goals of transparency, humor, and soliciting verified anonymous listener questions, including recent topics like utility fund concerns and Riverside Park facility change orders. The conversation covers city decisions such as denying a new liquor store under updated state law criteria, frustrations with toxic social media and bots, and Hernando growth perspectives. They also dive into roundabouts—where they work, driving education, and upcoming projects like a roundabout at Green Tea and Highway 51—plus local history, businesses, and community connections. Sponsored in part by Electrical Repair and Installation The Real Hernando is on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

Host Derrick welcomes Dr. Danton Dye and Lauren McLendon to explain HYPE (Hernando Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs) and its relationship to the Hernando Main Street Chamber of Commerce. They describe HYPE’s purpose of connecting young professionals and entrepreneurs with mentors, building a cycle of giving back, and strengthening the community. The guests outline HYPE’s origins, current structure, and board roles, and discuss using the “Working Genius” WIDGET framework to place people in the right seats for idea-to-execution work. They recap recent and upcoming outreach through events like Sunset on the Square and the Hernando Fourth of July celebration, highlight Sharpening the Saw programming (personal branding and wealth management sessions), and preview a collaboration with The Real Hernando to feature young professionals’ stories in a podcast interview format. Sponsored in part by Electrical Repair and Installation The Real Hernando is on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

Host Derrick welcomes Brock and Amber Williams to the show to discuss their electrical contracting business, Electrical Repair and Installation, and their nonprofit ministry, Life House. Brock shares how he started the company in 2014 after earning his master’s electrical license, grew from solo service work into residential and commercial crews, and expanded into major accounts and travel work, including Chick-fil-A locations across multiple states; the business also specializes in remodels, custom new construction, service work, and standby generator installation (about half their work). Amber explains joining the business in 2022 to handle administration, scheduling, insurance, and generator permitting, later leaving her 21-year hairstyling career to focus on the business and Life House. They describe Life House (founded in 2022) as a Christ-centered maternity home for displaced pregnant women, outlining intake steps, rules, screenings, church involvement, resources offered, and a success story of a mother who found stability after receiving support. http://www.chooselife.house Sponsored in part by Electrical Repair and Installation The Real Hernando is on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC SRPStudiosLLC.com

Host Derrick welcomes Neil Colley, founder of the Fancy Nancy Foundation and host of the Local Yokel's podcast, to spotlight how the foundation—created in honor of Neil’s mother, Nancy Colley—supports DeSoto County nonprofits through fundraising initiatives like vehicle raffles. Neil discusses the current $20-per-ticket raffle of a customized 2013 Jeep Rubicon raising money for House of Grace, a domestic violence shelter serving the region, with discounts for multi-ticket bundles and a drawing planned after 5,000 tickets sell, followed by a local giveaway event. He shares how his work grew from supporting Feed My Lambs and how podcasting helps connect organizations, resources, and community leaders, including examples of real connections made through show clips. Sponsored in part by Electrical Repair and Installation The Real Hernando is on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC SRPStudiosLLC.com

The Real Hernando podcast, presented by Thrive Entertainment and produced by SRP Studios Podcasting, spotlights Angela Kidd of Angela Kidd Insurance, specializing in Medicare, under-65 health insurance/healthcare.gov plans, and life insurance. Angela discusses how her Southaven brick-and-mortar office (8830 Center Street, Suite 1) has helped clients—especially seniors—by providing trusted, in-person guidance, while still offering phone and home visits. She explains annual enrollment timelines (Medicare Oct 15–Dec 7; marketplace Nov 1–Dec 15), warns about carrier changes like Cigna leaving the marketplace in 2027, and describes how income updates can prevent subsidy payback at tax time. Angela shares stories of correcting Medicare Advantage network mistakes, navigating claims, avoiding Medicare enrollment penalties, and offering final expense and supplemental protections for costs insurance doesn’t cover. The Real Hernando is on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC SRPStudiosLLC.com

The Real Hernando podcast invited Brandon Gustafson and Gustafson Properties, a North Mississippi custom home builder with over 20 years of experience, Certified Graduate Builder designations, 100% Hardy Homes, and a 10-year structural warranty. Co-owner Brandon Gustafson discusses the company’s family roots, their Hernando, Monteith Ave office, and their expanding “one-stop” approach through relationships with architects, lenders, and real estate. He explains their process from discovery call through pre-construction, common misconceptions like timelines, and growing demand for renovations as homeowners use equity for upgrades. Brandon also shares homebuilding trends such as outdoor living spaces and safe rooms, the importance of builder credentials, and introduces his separate construction management software Badger PMD, including plans to integrate AI for design mockups and estimating. The Real Hernando is on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC SRPStudiosLLC.com